Susan D. Chidley, 1951-2018

Susan Chidley, 66, of Denver passed away in 2018 at Swedish Medical Center. She was born in 1951 to Jean Elaine Harvey (née Cheney) and James Kenneth Harvey. Susan is survived by her husband of 39 years, James Chidley, her sons, Matthew and Connor, and her daughter, Phoebe. She is preceded in death by her parents.

Susan was born in Nebraska and grew up in Denver alongside her sisters, Karen Muldoon and Carol Jean Dunhill. A lifelong student, Susan was Head Girl at Gove Junior High School, graduated from George Washington High School, and earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at the University of Colorado.

Susan always had a particular affinity for supporting others through difficult times and went on to spend most of her career as a Professional Counselor in private practice and as a Critical Incident Responder. She retired to found Children Without Shoes International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing shoes and school uniforms to hundreds of children living in extreme poverty in rural Nicaragua, where she visited annually to distribute shoes, support, and smiles.

Susan was a devoted and beloved friend, sister, wife, and mother. In addition to raising her own children, she also rallied other parents around her to build a community of support and camaraderie. Her friends loved her for her compassion and her sense of humor. She cherished every moment with her sisters and their families. Her husband and her children were her passion and her joy. Together they shared a lifetime of memories — trips to Disney, card games, days at the swimming pool, and nights out on the town.

Susan was a busy bee. She adored her rescue dog, Taliah. She was passionate about the practice and study of yoga and enjoyed skiing, hiking, snorkeling, reading, and traveling. Susan was active in the community of Grand Lake, Colorado, where she spent summers volunteering with the Rocky Mountain Repertory Theater, attending live music performances, and entertaining friends. Susan and Jim were looking forward to another season of spectacular Colorado wildflowers in the high country as well as tending to their gardens at home in Denver.

Susan in dearly loved by many, she will be missed.

Start a dialogue, stay on topic and be civil. If you don't follow the rules, your comment may be deleted.